Gransnet forums

Health

Excess ear wax now ringing in ears

(38 Posts)
HeavenLeigh Mon 21-Apr-25 21:21:49

For the last two weeks I’ve had dizziness nausea plugged ears been to drs twice, been given ear drops no change but tonight constant ringing pulsating I one ear, I have an appointment tomorrow with audiologist for a microsuction procedure anyone had this? And how did you feel afterwards. I feel as if I’m going deaf now in both ears, no cold before this started,

Astitchintime Sun 27-Apr-25 13:40:06

OH has regular microsuction for one ear. It’s painless and removes lots of debris that accumulates onto the natural wax that everyone’s ears produce.
He also uses the find spray olive oil called Earol to soften the wax prior to the suction procedure.

TwiceAsNice Sun 27-Apr-25 13:21:44

I actually find ear syringing quite pleasant andI found out I was allergic to bicarbonate of soda drops so always use oil ones

TwiceAsNice Sun 27-Apr-25 13:19:15

I found micro suction very unpleasant and it didn’t remove the wax. I go to a private nurse for ear syringing every 3 months after about 5 days of putting oil drops in overnight ( used to do it twice a day but now have hearing aids so only possible overnight)

The nurse is brilliant very reassuring and gets every bit of wax out and it only cost me £45 a time.Worth every penny. Would not do the suction again

RillaofIngleside Sun 27-Apr-25 00:13:37

Our GP has started doing this again free if charge, so worth checking before you pay to have it done privately. DH and I had it done recently, great improvement to our gunky ears!

Musicgirl Sat 26-Apr-25 18:18:53

I have been having microsuctioning for the last fifty years since I had my first mastoidectomy aged ten. I was not allowed to have ear syringing as I cannot have water in the ear. I think it was quite a new technique in the seventies and was only done in hospital. Certainly, equipment and techniques have improved out of all recognition since then and it is a quick, painless procedure. I had it done only yesterday as part of ongoing treatment. You may feel slightly dizzy for a few minutes afterwards and, possibly, slightly uncomfortable, although I didn't experience any discomfort yesterday. I have had far, far worse treatments in my ears than microsuctioning. You will be absolutely fine and relieved to be able to hear properly once again.

Milest0ne Sat 26-Apr-25 17:33:04

OH had ear wax suctioned before having a hearing test. He needed two visits then the hearing test. He now has hearing aids which includes free lifetime hearing tests, wax removal and servicing of hearing aids.
While we were waiting for the audiologist ,at different times there were patients who were not happy with the local company who do eye tests. They do seem to vary as someone else recommended them in a different town.

missdeke Sat 26-Apr-25 17:05:39

I've had microsuction recently and it was fine, completely painless and quick. Apparently the NHS no longer do it, I went to a private clinin and it only cost £35.

edd269 Sat 26-Apr-25 17:03:46

Microsuction is like a sweep round with a little vacuum cleaner.
Nothing like the trauma of syringing.
It will feel rather pleasant, and maybe a little tickley.

Flutterby345 Sat 26-Apr-25 16:19:59

I'm over 80 and went to audiologist for itchy ear. No wax as recently done but he said, diplomatically, that at my age there would also be a build up of skin cells from taking the aids in and out and to get it sorted every 3 months. It has started again after 4 months so off I go.

GoldenAge Sat 26-Apr-25 15:36:43

HeavenLeigh - don't worry about the procedure - it's noisy but quick and painless. I have it done myself every year because I do have excess wax and wearing ear buds doesn't help. You will be OK.

gwyneth28 Sat 26-Apr-25 15:11:09

Being deaf I've always had problems with excessive ear wax, I've had both procedures syringing and micro suction, many times, microsuction is less messy, I get sodium bicarbonate ear drops from the chemist and use those as the sodium bicarbonate dissolves earwax unlike oil which just softens it.
I was told to use those by an audiologist at my local hospital.

RedRidingHood Sat 26-Apr-25 14:51:02

@redactrice
I get vertigo, diagnosed as bppv. It's usually triggered when I turn over in bed from left to right very quickly. It doesn't happen very often but can take a while to go. I've learned the Eply manoeuvre which is very effective if done correctly.
Microsucton has never caused me a problem, not did syringing when they used to do it.

Frogs Sat 26-Apr-25 14:48:53

I have had micro suction several times - I believe GPs stop doing the old fashioned ear syringing because micro suctioning is a safer procedure as there’s no risk of a burst ear drum ? . This procedure isnt available on the NHS in our area so we are expected to pay privately. Costs vary according to where you go between £60 - £70 for both ears. This can get expensive if like my husband you need it doing about every 3 months.
I was told to use ‘Earol’ refined olive oil between appointments as some olive oil is too thick and other remedies can have a burning effect ?

Redactrice Sat 26-Apr-25 14:24:05

I would definitely benefit from microsuction, but am reluctant to go for it in case it’s unsafe or unwise for someone who’s had ear/balance problems in the past. Some 50 years ago I was diagnosed with vestibular neuronitis and referred to the Royal Ear Hospital, where they did the watch-the-butterfly-on-the-ceiling-while-we-pour-water-into-your-ears test and then told me I’d lost the balance in both ears. I’ve nevertheless managed to stay upright ever since, but over the years I’ve had numerous episodes, usually when changing position to lying down, of the room spinning at a rate of knots. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Ilovecheese Sat 26-Apr-25 14:21:35

Thank you Sallyforth. The first visit I was seen by a very nice pharmacist who had done the training but had never actually done the procedure before so I was his guinea pig. He removed a lot of wax but was defeated by a stubborn piece. So he asked his more experienced colleague to have a look.
The experienced colleague said that I should carry on with the olive oil drops for a couple more days then come back.
I did so and a couple of days later my hearing cleared . Mr Experienced Colleague confirmed that the oil had done the job.
He also refused to take payment because it was not all removed by them.
All in all a very positive experience

Glenfinnan Sat 26-Apr-25 13:37:40

I had microsuction on my ears but the audiologist had to also use an old fashioned syringe to remove all the wax! I too use earhole on a regular basis!

Dennis2 Fri 25-Apr-25 03:53:08

I've experienced a similar issue, and the microsuction procedure was quite helpful. It’s a safe and effective way to remove excess ear wax. After the procedure, I felt relief from the pressure and improved hearing almost immediately. The ringing and dizziness also decreased over the next few days. Make sure to discuss any concerns with the audiologist, and follow their aftercare advice closely. If symptoms persist, consider consulting an ENT specialist for further evaluation. Hope you find relief soon!

Jaxjacky Tue 22-Apr-25 20:15:20

I use Earol every night as advised my the pharmacist that sorts my ears.

bridie54 Tue 22-Apr-25 20:11:40

My friend wears 2 hearing aids and has had microsuction (paid privately but done by a part time NHS trained nurse who works privately from home). It is quick and effective with no after effects.
She recently had an Audiology appointment which i attended with her and was advised to use her softening ear drops once a week.

Elvera1 Tue 22-Apr-25 19:58:17

She had a camera and you could see right inside your ears, the ear that I thought was ok was even more blocked than the troublesome one!

Elvera1 Tue 22-Apr-25 19:56:24

I had microsuction privately a few months ago, as I couldn’t hear anything and had buzzing in my ears.
The lady was wonderful, very knowledgeable and the relief was amazing. The vibration was a bit uncomfortable at times, but it was worth it to hear again. Would definitely recommend.

Charleygirl5 Tue 22-Apr-25 10:50:14

I thought my earwax and general old age were causing my deafness, so I got it checked, and I have a benign brain tumour affecting my hearing, as it is placed somewhere close to my left ear. Get it checked.

Sallyforth Tue 22-Apr-25 08:16:22

Fingers crossed for you Ilovecheese. Hope it solves the problem for you.

Ilovecheese Tue 22-Apr-25 08:12:35

I have an appointment for microsuction this afternoon!

luluaugust Tue 22-Apr-25 07:37:30

It’s possible it’s not just earwax but blocked Eustacian tubes. Look up various methods for helping to clear them.